Basic beam structural member and structures built therefrom

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a high-strength, lightweight, basic beam of a single shape which can serve as a column, truss, girder, jamb or other structural member whereby an entire structure can be built using the same basic beam for all of the structural members. The basic beam structural member comprises a unitary, elongated rigid beam having a pair of parallel, opposed channel-shaped portions connected by a pair of spaced walls positioned inwardly from the sides of the channels to define a longitudinally extending slot therebetween and a pair of opposed recesses. A metal or plastic rectangular shaped tube is inserted in the longitudinal slot to provide extra strength and facilitate interconnecting of the structural members.

United States Patent [1 1 Kotlarz 1 BASIC BEAM STRUCTURAL MEMBER ANDSTRUCTURES BUILT TIIEREFROM [76] Inventor: Joseph C. Kotlarz, 109 W.Woodlawn Dr., Village of Mundelein, 111. 60060 [22] Filed: Sept. 27,1973 211 Appl. No.: 401,426

[52] US. Cl. 52/168; 52/220; 52/227; 52/293; 52/295; 52/274; 52/403;52/475;

[51] Int. CI. E04B 1/92; E048 l/24 [58] Field of Search 52/403, 220,475, 295, 52/729, 227, 23, 243, 168, 241, 274, 240,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 269,018 12/1882 Crowell eta1. 52/23 1,417,102 5/1922 Nyman et al. 52/475 X 2,085,281 6/1937Wagoner 52/403 X 2,706,541 4/1955 Crown 52/403 X 3,058,552 10/1962 Baras52/475 X 3,104,060 9/1963 Bricmontmm. 52/168 X 3,122,223 2/1964 Chell etal. 52/475 X 3,128,852 4/1964 Chell et a1. 52/403 X 3,156,018 11/1964Slayter i 52/403 X 3,189,140 6/1965 Luss 52/495 X 3,295,283 l/l967Griffith et al. 52/475 3,327,438 6/1967 Cooper 52/495 X [4 1 July 8,1975

Primary ExaminerFrank L. Abbott Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. Braum [57]ABSTRACT Disclosed is a high-strength, lightweight, basic beam of asingle shape which can serve as a column, truss, girder, jamb or otherstructural member whereby an entire structure can be built using thesame basic beam for all of the structural members. The basic beamstructural member comprises a unitary, elongated rigid beam having apair of parallel, opposed channel-shaped portions connected by a pair ofspaced walls positioned inwardly from the sides of the channels todefine a longitudinally extending slot therebetween and a pair ofopposed recesses. A metal or plastic rectangular shaped tube is insertedin the longitudinal slot to provide extra strength and facilitateinterconnecting of the structural members.

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUL 8 I975 SHEET BASIC BEAMSTRUCTURAL MEMBER AND STRUCTURES BUILT THEREFROM BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Primarily due to the increased cost of conventionalconstruction, which requires on-site forming and fitting of structuralmembers as well as construction of heating, cooling and electricalsystems, efforts have been made to pre-engineer portions of or entirestructures. Examples are pre-fabricated walls which incorporate waterand electrical systems. For larger structures or those incorporatinglarge glazing panels, efforts have been made to pre-engineer theframework structures in order to simplify construction and therebyachieve an economy. An example is the United States Steel Corporation'sULTIME'I' framing system which provides curtain walls, windows anddoors. With this system, the components are shipped "knocked down to thejob site ready to erect. US. Pat. Nos. 3,357,145 and 3,436,887, issuedDec. 12, I967 and Apr. 8, I969 respectively, disclose curtain wallstructures. Such systems and structures are not load bearing, however,curtain walls being designed to enable architects to utilize both fixedglass or operable sash on the exterior of a building at economicalcosts. With such curtain walls, vertical mullions are anchored to abuilding structure and horizontal members are assembled thereto ininterlocking fashion. While such curtain wall structures provideeconomy, simplicity, appearance and ease of assembly, they are notload-bearing and are fabricated from a multiplicity of differentcomponents. US. Pat. No. 3,415,024 issued Dec. 10, 1968, disclosesbuilding structures of the type incorporating glazing panels fittedwithin a framework structure such as translucent curtain walls, patioroofs, skylights, swimming pool enclosures and solariums and whichcomprise a supporting framework of hollow channel-like members having afluid-flow manifold system therein for heating and cooling thestructure. While entire structures, such as a swimming pool enclosure,are disclosed and in which the framework is supporting, each structuralmember such as the columns, girders and trusses are of a differentdesign necessitating separate fabrication of each structural member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to ahigh-strength, lightweight, basic beam of a single shape which can serveas a column, truss, mullion, purlin, header, sill, girder, jamb,threshold, top or bottom plate and thereby provide a basic beamstructural system. Accordingly, an entire structure can be built usingthe same basic beam for all of the structural members. Such ahigh-strength, lightweight, basic beam structural system can be appliedto a pre-engineered or conventional structures and is flexible in itsapplication to various geometrical shapes and forms. Further, the basicbeam of the present invention provides predetermined costs, totaldesign, interchangeable components, minimum maintenance and is adaptableto future expansion.

Briefly, the basic beam structural member of the present inventioncomprises a unitary, elongated rigid beam having a pair of parallel,opposed channel-shaped portions connected by a pair of spaced wallspositioned inwardly from the sides of the channels to define alongitudinally extending slot therebetween and a pair of opposedrecesses. One side of one of the channels can be left open to provide areadily accessible passageway for electrical or fluid-flow systems. Ametal or plastic rectangular shaped tube can be inserted in thelongitudinal slot to provide extra strength and prevent buckling,particularly under compressive loads. By suitably interconnecting thevarious structural members, all of which comprise the same basic beamstructural member, an entire structure can be assembled. A riggingcable, anchored to the foundation of the structure and positioned withinthe outermost channel of opposing columns and the interconnecting trusscan provide additional rigidity to the structure.

Preferably, the basic beam structural members of the present inventionare fabricated of stainless steel such as type 30] 302, 304 and 3l6.Stainless steel provides high strength and outstanding corrosion andfire resistance and, having good ductility and formability, can befabricated by roll-forming techniques on rollforming equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention can be better understoodby reference to the following detailed description when considered inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a basic beam structuralsystem comprising a vertical column and interconnected base plate, topplate, truss, transom plate and horizontal members;

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section of the truss portions of a structurehaving a dome-like top and illustrating the positioning of gaskets andglazing panels;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in crosssection, illustratingthe positioning of gaskets and glazing panels in a vertical column ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a basic beam structural member of thepresent invention having a heating and cooling unit therein;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation of a vertical column and attachedbottom plate, truss and transom plate and illustrating the positioningof a reinforcing cable therein;

FIG. 6 is a section taken along the line 6-6 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-section of a bottom plate illustrating thepositioning of gaskets and wall panels therein;

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-section illustrating anchoring of a verticalcolumn, base plate and reinforcing cable; and

FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross-section of a vertical column having aheating and cooling unit and reinforcing cable therein and supportingbrackets attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1 through 9 of the drawingsillustrate the highstrength, lightweight, basic beam of the presentinvention and exemplary construction employing the same basic beam forall of the structural members. As best seen in FIG. 4, thehigh-strength, lightweight, basic beam 10 of the present inventioncomprises an integral, elongated, rigid structure 11 having a pair ofopposed channel-shaped portions I2, 13 connected by a pair of spacedwalls I4, 15 positioned inwardly from the respective sides l6, l7, l8and 19 of the channel-shaped portions l2, 13 to define a longitudinallyextending slot 20 therebetween and a pair of longitudinally extending,opposed recesses 21, 22. The front face 23 of the channel-shaped portion13 is left open for the purpose hereinafter described. As best seen inFIG. 9, the edges 24, 25 of the front face 23 are crimped inwardly toform lips 26, 27 for added strength. Likewise, to add strength, bars 28can be spaced along the length of the front face 23 and attached theretoby welding them to the lips 26, 27. In use, the basic beam 10 ispositioned with the open face 23 directed to the inside of the structurebeing built and can thereafter be covered with a decorative panel 29.The passageways 30, 31 within the channel-shaped portions 12, 13 of thebasic beam 10 can be utilized for telephones, electrical, water orheating and cooling systems and the like. In the embodiment illustrated,the passageway 31 in the channel-shaped portion 13, having an open face23 contains a fluid conduit 32 with fins 33 attached thereto and can beused for heating or cooling purposes. To provide rigidity and facilitatethe attachment of supporting brackets and the like, a rectangularreinforcing bar 34 is disposed within the longitudinal slot 20 of thebasic beam 10, formed by the walls 14, 15 connecting the channel-shapedportions 12, 13', the bar 34 being coextensive with the length and widthof the slot 20. The bar 34 may be hollow as illustrated or solid and maybe made of a suitable plastic material as well as metal.

FIGS. 1 and illustrate a structure 40 assembled from the basic beamstructural member of the present invention and comprising a verticalcolumn 41, base plate 42, top plate 43, truss 44, girders 45, transomplate 46 and horizontal members 47, all having the same configurationand interconnected together which, when assembled with similarstructures, form a complete building structure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 8, the vertical column 41 is anchored ina preformed opening 51 in the concrete foundation 50. The verticalcolumn 41 rests on an anchor post block 52 which in turn rests on aplate 49 which also seals the bottom of the opening 51. Preferably, theanchor post block 52 is made of stainless steel or fluorocarbon and theplate 49 of stainless steel. Epoxy cement can be used to further anchorthe vertical column 41 in place. As illustrated in FIG. 8, after thevertical column 41 is anchored in place in the foundation 50, the bottomplates 42 are positioned on the foundation 50 and fastened to the column41 by means of L-shaped supporting brackets 53, 54 which are placed inthe recesses of the vertical column 41 and bottom plates 42 in contactwith both members and riv' eted or otherwise fastened thereto. Likewise,the horizontal members 47 are positioned against the vertical column 41and similar opposed columns (not shown) and fastened thereto withsupporting brackets 63, 64 placed in both the recesses 21, 22 in thechannelshaped portions 12, 13 of horizontal members 47 or other basicbeam regardless of which structural member it may be. Thus, the topplate 43, truss 44, girders 45 and transom plate 46 can be attached tothe vertical column 41 in the same manner.

When two basic beams 10 are positioned at right angles to each other forassembly, such as the vertical column 41 and base plates 42 illustratedin FIG. 8, the end 35 of one of the basic beams 10 rests against thesides 58, 59 of the other beam 41 so that a space remains between theend 35 of the one beam 10 and slot 20 formed by the walls 14, (FIG. 4)of the other beam. Accordingly, to facilitate attachment of the L-shapedsupporting brackets 53, 54 to the vertical column 41 and base plates 42,a short section of a solid bar 57 is positioned in the slot of the baseplate 42 extending into the recess 56 in the vertical column 41 and inabutment with the wall 60 in the vertical column 41 (see FIG. 1). Asillustrated in FIG. 8, rivets 61 or other fastening means can then beutilized to fasten the brackets 53, 54 to the bars 57 in the base plates42. In the same manner, rivets 62 can be used to fasten the brackets 53,54 to the vertical column 41. Likewise, horizontal members 47, girders45, transom plates 46 and all other structural members lying in ahorizontal position can similarly be fastened to the vertical structuralmembers or columns. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, horizontal members47 and other horizontal structural members positioned intermediate theends of the vertical structural members such as column 41 can befastened by brackets 63, 64 placed in both the upper and lower recesses21, 22 (FIG. 4) in the horizontal structural members 47.

To provide extra rigidity to the assembled structure 40, a rigging cable66 can be placed in the passageway 30 of the vertical columns 41 andtruss members 44. As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, the rigging cable66 is positioned in the passageway 30 of the vertical column 41 andtruss 44 and has a forked member 67 on one end and a turnbuckle 68 onthe other end. The cable 66 is anchored to the foundation 50 byfastening the forked member 67 to a bar 69, which passes through theplate 49 and into the foundation 50, by means of a pin 70 insertedthrough openings in the forked member 67 and bar 69 (FIG. 8). Similarly,cable 66 is placed in the opposed vertical column (not shown) and theturnbuckle 68 is then tightened through the open front face 23 (FIG. 4)of the truss 44. Preferably, to minimize the possibility of the cable 66being cut at the point at which it enters the passageway 30 in the truss44 (FIG. 5), an angle-shaped support bar 71 is positioned in the cornerformed by the vertical column 41 and the truss 44 (see FIG. 5). A groove(not shown) in the outwardly facing surfaces of the support 71 guidesand retains the cable 66.

The angle support bar 71 is inserted in the slots 20 in the intersectingvertical column 41 and truss 44 and attached thereto and consequentlyalso serves to fasten the two members together. As can be seen in FIG.7, the base plate 42 rests on a sheet 72 and a slide-bearing block 73 isplaced in the lower recess 30 in the base plate 42. The sheet 72 andbearing block 73 are preferably made of fluorocarbon plastic and,together with the anchor post blocks 52, permit slight movement of thestructure 40 due to wind or other stresses as well as provide a sealagainst snow and water.

After the structure 40 is assembled from the basic beam structuralmembers 10 as described, glazing panels or wall panels can be installedin the resulting framework to complete the building or structure 40.FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 illustrate the gasket system 75 for placing in eitherof the recesses 21, 22 in the basic beam structural member 10 forretaining the glazing 85 or wall panels 80. The gasket system 75 isreversible and comprises a generally L-shaped pillow block 76 having anelongated portion 77 engageable with one side 81 of the panel and ashoulder 78 projecting from the elongated portion 77 and extending tothe other side of the panel 86, upon which the panel '80 can rest, andan opposing insert portion 79 of elongated shape and engageable with theside 82 of the panel 80 opposite the side 81 of the panel 80 engageablewith the elongated portion 77 of the pillow block 76. Ribs 83 arepreferably formed in the sides of the gaskets 76, 79 engageable with thewalls of the recess20 or with each other and help to keep the gasketsystem 75 from slipping due to vibration caused by wind or other forces.As illustrated in FIG. 7, the wall panel 80 is glazed from the inside ofthe structure 40. The pillow block 76 is put in place in the recess 20of the base plate 42 and other structural members forming the frameworkand then the wall panel 80 is positioned on the shoulder 78 of thepillow block 76 and in engagement with the elongated portion 77. Theinsert portion 79 of the gasket system is subsequently put in place inthe recess 20, from the inside of the structure in engagement with theside 82 of the panel 80 and the shoulder 78 of the opposing pillow block76 to thereby retain the wall panel 80 in place. If desired, theposition of the pillow block 76 and insert portion 79 can be reversed sothat the wall panel 80 can be glazed from the outside. Glazing panels85, which can be made of glass or plastic, are glazed in the samemanner, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The gasket system 75 is preferably made of neoprene and, beingresilient, permits some expansion and contraction of the wall panel 80or glazing panel 85 thereby minimizing any cracking of the panels orleak- FIG. 2 illustrates the arrangement of a top plate 43 and girder45, gasket system 75 and glazing panel 85. As illustrated, a dome panel87 is installed to cover the structure 40, the dome panel 87 being heldin place by means of a retaining clip 88 and gasket system 75combination.

The versatility of the basic beam structural member of the presentinvention permits a variety of designs and combinations. FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate a honeycomb panel 90 installed in the opposing passageways 31of the truss 44 and transom plate 46 members with spaced struts 91affixed to both members to provide additional support and strength.Likewise, if desired, insulation 93 can be installed in the passageway30 of the basic beam structural members 10 of the building structure 40which face the outside. If made of reinforced plastic, the insulation 93will strengthen and stiffen the structural member as well as provideinsulation. As previously described, a fluid conduit 32 can bepositioned in either of the passageways 30, 31 of the basic beamstructural members 10 for heating or cooling of the building structure40. Similarly, a sprinkler system can be installed by positioningsprinkler heads 95 along the conduit 32 in the truss 44 or transom plate46 as illustrated in FIG. 6. Likewise, sprinkler heads 95 can be placedin any of the other structural members, including the vertical columns41.

As is readily apparent, a complete structural framework can be assembledfrom structural members fabricated from the same high-strength,lightweight, basic beam structural member 10 of the present invention.Additionally, the basic beam structural system is flexible in itsapplication, can be easily and economically assembled, and can beutilized for the installation of heating and cooling systems, electricaland communication systems, as well as sprinkler systems.

What is claimed is:

1'. A building structure assembled from a plurality of the same basicbeam structural members, said structure comprising:

parallel, spaced, generally horizontally and vertically disposed basicbeam structural members arranged in transverse relation to each other;

said horizontal members being engaged with said vertical members atpreselected vertical heights thereon to form a framework structure withthe vertical members; and

fastening means for said horizontal members to said vertical members ina secure abutting relation;

each of said horizontal members and said vertical members comprising anintegral, elongated rigid structure having a pair of parallel, spaced,opposed U-shaped channel members, each said channel member having an endface and two side walls, and said side walls of each said channelextending towards and in a spaced, parallel relationship with the wallsof the other channel member said U- shaped channel members definingpassageways therein, one of said U-shaped channel members having an openface to provide access to the passageway therein;

a pair of longitudinally extending, opposed recesses in the side wallsof said U-shaped channel members, said recesses being formed by wallsprojecting inwardly from the respective side walls of the channelmembers, and a pair of spaced walls disposed between the inwardlyprojecting walls to thereby connect the opposed channel members, thepair of spaced walls defining a longitudinally extending slottherebetween;

a reinforcing member disposed within the longitudinally extending slot,said member being coextensive with the length and width of the slot; and

a cable disposed in the passageways of an interconnected verticalmember, uppermost horizontal member forming a truss, and opposingvertical member, said cable being anchored to the foundation at each endthereof at the bottom of each of the opposing vertical members tothereby provide extra rigidity to the assembled structure.

2. The building structure of claim 1 including an angle supportpositioned in the corner formed by the vertical members and the truss toguide and retain said cable.

3. The building structure of claim 2 wherein said cable includes aforked member on either end thereof and tightening means intermediatethe ends, said forked members being fastened to a bar inserted in thefoundation upon which said structure rests.

4. The building structure of claim 1 wherein the fastening means forfastening the horizontal members to the vertical members comprises asupporting bracket disposed in the recess in the vertical member and theopposing recess in the horizontal member, said sup porting bracket beingfastened to both members to thereby maintain said members in a secureabutting relation.

5. The building structure of claim 4 including a solid bar disposed inthe slot in the horizontal member, said bar extending into the recess inthe vertical member and in abutment with the wall in the vertical columnto thereby facilitate attachment of the supporting brack- 61S.

6. The building structure of claim including a base I: 8. The buildingstructure of claim 7 including spaced Plate, Said base Piate resting ona sheet of fluorocarbon sprinkler heads positioned along said fluidconduit to plastic, and a slide-bearing block disposed in the recessprovide a fire protection System.

in b.ase piate facmg said sheet sheet and block 9. The buildingstructure of claim 1 including gaskets permlttlng slight movement of thestructure as well as 5 providing a seal again Snow and water disposedwithin the framework structures formed by 7. The building structure ofclaim 5 including a fluid the vertical and horizontal members, and Pfitted conduit disposed in the passageways in the horizontally Withinthe g and vertically disposed structural members.

1. A building structure assembled from a plurality of the same basicbeam structural members, said structure comprising: parallel, spaced,generally horizontally and vertically disposed basic beam structuralmembers arranged in transverse relation to each other; said horizontalmembers being engaged with said vertical members at preselected verticalheights thereon to form a framework structure with the vertical members;and fastening means for said horizontal members to said vertical membersin a secure abutting relation; each of said horizontal members and saidvertical members comprising an integral, elongated rigid structurehaving a pair of parallel, spaced, opposed U-shaped channel members,each said channel member having an end face and two side walls, and saidside walls of each said channel extending towards and in a spaced,parallel relationship with the walls of the otHer channel member saidU-shaped channel members defining passageways therein, one of saidU-shaped channel members having an open face to provide access to thepassageway therein; a pair of longitudinally extending, opposed recessesin the side walls of said U-shaped channel members, said recesses beingformed by walls projecting inwardly from the respective side walls ofthe channel members, and a pair of spaced walls disposed between theinwardly projecting walls to thereby connect the opposed channelmembers, the pair of spaced walls defining a longitudinally extendingslot therebetween; a reinforcing member disposed within thelongitudinally extending slot, said member being coextensive with thelength and width of the slot; and a cable disposed in the passageways ofan interconnected vertical member, uppermost horizontal member forming atruss, and opposing vertical member, said cable being anchored to thefoundation at each end thereof at the bottom of each of the opposingvertical members to thereby provide extra rigidity to the assembledstructure.
 2. The building structure of claim 1 including an anglesupport positioned in the corner formed by the vertical members and thetruss to guide and retain said cable.
 3. The building structure of claim2 wherein said cable includes a forked member on either end thereof andtightening means intermediate the ends, said forked members beingfastened to a bar inserted in the foundation upon which said structurerests.
 4. The building structure of claim 1 wherein the fastening meansfor fastening the horizontal members to the vertical members comprises asupporting bracket disposed in the recess in the vertical member and theopposing recess in the horizontal member, said supporting bracket beingfastened to both members to thereby maintain said members in a secureabutting relation.
 5. The building structure of claim 4 including asolid bar disposed in the slot in the horizontal member, said barextending into the recess in the vertical member and in abutment withthe wall in the vertical column to thereby facilitate attachment of thesupporting brackets.
 6. The building structure of claim 5 including abase plate, said base plate resting on a sheet of fluorocarbon plastic,and a slide-bearing block disposed in the recess in the base platefacing said sheet, said sheet and block permitting slight movement ofthe structure as well as providing a seal against snow and water.
 7. Thebuilding structure of claim 5 including a fluid conduit disposed in thepassageways in the horizontally and vertically disposed structuralmembers.
 8. The building structure of claim 7 including spaced sprinklerheads positioned along said fluid conduit to provide a fire protectionsystem.
 9. The building structure of claim 1 including gaskets disposedwithin the framework structures formed by the vertical and horizontalmembers, and panels fitted within the gaskets.